Of all of the “4 C’s” of diamonds (color, cut, clarity and carat), cut probably has the most to do with determining the personality of a ring. So which one is best for your engagement ring? Let’s take a look at six popular diamond cuts.

Round

Round diamonds are the most popular picks for engagement rings, as well as the oldest. Round-cut diamonds were first worn in the 14th century; however, these diamonds were a bit different than the circular-shaped stones that adorn the fingers of many brides today. In the early part of the 20th century, diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky calculated the ideal angles and proportions for a round diamond that would allow the diamond to reflect the most light. Most modern-day round diamonds are what are known as round brilliant-cut diamonds, gems with 58 facets that are based on Tolkowsky’s innovation.

Round diamond solitaire rings are the quintessential engagement rings, and they’re the perfect way to showcase the brilliance of this cut. Apples of Gold carries these rings with diamonds ranging from 0.10 carats to a full carat, allowing you to decide just how much sparkle is right for you.

Invented in the 1960s, the princess cut is modern classic. It’s second only to the round brilliant cut in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the most brilliant of all square and rectangular cuts, providing the perfect paring of abundant sparkle and a clean, modern shape.

Sometimes referred to as the antique cushion-cut, the cushion cut is an older cut, popular in the 19th century. The famous Hope Diamond proudly displays this cut, a rounded-off square shape with a decidedly romantic vibe. Also called the pillow cut due to its pillow-like shape, the cushion cut has a vintage feel that’s perfect for celebrating a love that will stand the test of time.

Although the cushion cut isn’t quite as brilliant as many more modern cuts, its more than makes up for it with its big dose of charm. This cut shows up in a number of in Apples of Gold’s colored gemstone rings, any of which could serve as an unexpected but lovely choice for an engagement ring. Or, try the cushion cut in the Canary Yellow and White Bezel-Set Diamond Ring. This gorgeous twist on the halo ring features a 1.20 carat cushion-cut yellow diamond, a stone with a light golden glimmer that communicates warmth and affection. Contrasting this center gem are dazzling round white diamonds, a half carat in all. Forming a frame around the yellow diamond are 20 of these diamonds, while six additional diamonds are channel set into the band on either side.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher Cut dates back to the early 20th century, when it was developed in 1902 in Holland by Joseph Asscher, a famous Dutch jeweler and the owner of the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam. This perfectly square-shaped cut looked forward to the geometric styles of the Art Deco Period at a time when the round cut brilliant diamond was popular. With 58 facets, a flat top, small step-like facets and blunted corners, this stone has a crisp angular look, as well as incredible dazzle. The Asscher cut was designed to draw the eye into the center of a diamond, emphasizing its depth rather than just its surface and bringing out its fire.

The Asscher-Cut White Sapphire Ring in 14K White Gold is an uncomplicated but undeniably glamorous example of this cut’s ability to dazzle. A 6.5mm round Asscher-cut white sapphire, a unique twist on a traditionally blue precious gemstone, is held to a gleaming 14K white gold band in a timeless four-prong setting.

Radiant Cut

If you’d like a square-shaped or rectangular cut but don’t want to sacrifice brilliance, try a radiant cut. With four sides and cropped corners, the facets of this cut were designed to bring out the fire of the gem by Henry Grossbard, a Holocaust survivor turned diamond cutter. Introduced in 1977, the radiant color is a fairly modern option with timeless beauty.

The 1.50 Carat Radiant-Cut Yellow and White Diamond Ring showcases a stunning radiant-cut yellow diamond, just over a carat in weight. This eye-catching golden gem is framed by small round white diamonds, and held by a 14K gold band that’s adorned with additional round white stones.

Heart-shaped

No diamond communicates love as clearly as a heart-shaped diamond! Gorgeously portraying the timeless emblem of affection, a heart-shaped diamond is incredibly romantic and always eye-catching. Like most modern round diamonds, this cut is designed to maximize brilliance, making it the perfect way to celebrate a love that’s set your heart aflame.

The 1 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring showcases this shape in solitary, stunning fashion. A heart-shaped white diamond, a full carat in weight, is the striking star of this ring as it rises from a simple band of shining 14K white gold. If you prefer, this style is also available with a half carat or three-quarter carat stone.

Each of these cuts has its own unique personality, and the one that’s best for you depends on your personality, taste and what you’d like to communicate about your love. No matter which cut you choose, when you buy an engagement ring with a high-quality stone, like those sold by Apples of Gold, you can be sure that you’ll get a piece with rare beauty.